GOLD program uses new ride as promotional tool

September 8, 2009

Many Northwestern Oklahoma State University fans may see a car covered in Northwestern insignia driving around the state, as Army National Guard officers from the Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program at Northwestern are using it as a marketing tool for the university and the GOLD program.

The GOLD program provides leadership instruction leading to an officer’s commission in the Guard. It also provides a variety of financial incentives once a student joins the Guard, including a monthly salary, weekend drill pay and federal tuition assistance.

Capt. Arlington N. Tasi and Sfc. Micah S. Elliott, GOLD representatives, spend a lot of their time traveling north of I-40 and west of I-35 and have worked hard to get this marketing tool up and running.

The Northwestern-GOLD car will be seen traveling on the roads of northwest Oklahoma. This marketing tool benefits Northwestern and the GOLD program.

“This has been a work in progress,” Tasi said. “We want to show our school spirit and also assist with recruitment efforts.”

There are only three other universities who have cars that represent the GOLD program.

Tasi and Elliot not only teach leadership classes at Northwestern, they also recruit for the National Guard.

“With this car, we are able to promote the university and the GOLD program,” said Dr. Steve Lohmann, executive vice president. “They do such a great job teaching leadership not only for the university, but for the Oklahoma National Guard.”

To learn more about the GOLD program or the National Guard, contact the university’s National Guard office at (580) 327-8120.